Iran’s Genocidal Threat

During the Holocaust the world ignored the desperate plight of endangered Jews. Have things changed?

This time there are no excuses. No one can say there was no warning. In a speech delivered last week during mosque prayers, and which was broadcast to the nation, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Iran would support any attack on Israel.

“The Zionist regime is a true cancerous tumor on this region that should be cut off. And it definitely will be cut off,” he declared.

This was followed by the publication of an article by Alizera Forghani, a top Khamenei strategist, on an Iranian government- supported website, Alef, setting out in detail the legal and religious justification to kill all Jews and to annihilate Israel.

The article, which has since been published by most state-owned sites including the Revolutionary Guards’ Fars News Agency, and thereby officially endorsed by the Iranian government, quotes from the Koran and other sources to justify theologically the murder of all Jews and the destruction of Israel. The document presents detailed military plans for how the genocide can be achieved: Using official statistics, the article suggests that with its Shahab 3 ballistic missiles, Iran could target the three major metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of Jews – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, annihilating most of their inhabitants.

And this is not the first time; for years and especially in recent months senior Iranian leaders – especially the president – have openly stated that they intend to destroy Israel and murder its entire Jewish population. These are no empty threats; Iran, via Hezbollah and Hamas, has been waging a proxy war against Israel and has even attacked Jewish communal targets in other parts of the world. And yet, international indifference prevails.

William Kristol noted how The New York Times, when reporting on Khamenei’s most recent speech, didn’t even include Khamenei’s reference to Israel as a cancerous tumor that needed to be cut out. This is emblematic of how so many government leaders tolerate the threat of genocide against Jews with equanimity.

The silence, and its accompanying acquiescence, is morally reprehensible, even absurd.

The silence, and its accompanying acquiescence, is morally reprehensible, even absurd. Where are the statements of condemnation from the governments of the world? From the United Nations? From religious leaders? Where is the horror, the outrage? One of the great codifiers of Talmudic law and ethics, the Rambam, writes (Laws of Repentance 2:1) that the test of true repentance is when a sinner is faced with the same circumstances he or she faced when first committing the sin and then, demonstrating sincere repentance, refrains from committing the sin again. In the lead up to and during the Holocaust the world sinned by ignoring the desperate plight of Europe’s endangered Jews.

So many nations prevented Jews from finding asylum from Nazi Germany. Boats of terrified Jewish refugees were turned away and sent back to their deaths in Europe. And when horrific reports of the gas chambers and the crematoria came through, the Allies refused to bomb the railroads to Auschwitz and other death camps.

Memorializing the Holocaust has become part of an international ethos which even the United Nations supports; there is a claim of regret and a desire to repent for the sins of the past, the omissions and commissions which led to the death of six million Jews, including more than one-and-a-half million children.

Now is the test to see if this repentance is genuine.

The nations of the world are confronted with the same set of circumstances in which they committed their original sin against the Jewish people. And now is judgment time before God. No one can claim they weren’t warned. No one can say that genocidal threats against Jews are deranged rants not to be taken seriously. History proves otherwise. This time there are no excuses.

We all hope and pray that sanctions will work, but there isn’t much time left. If and when the crunch comes, God forbid, will the Jewish people once again stand alone? World leaders must ask themselves this: Would you wager the life of your children on the mercy and reasonableness of the Iranian government? And the question may not be hypothetical either. Hitler came after the Jews first, and then he attacked the world. The Jews are Iran’s first target, certainly not its last.

It is unprecedented and incomprehensible that one nation should face the threat of genocide twice within living memory.

There is one major difference this time around, and that is God’s blessing of Jewish sovereignty in Israel, with its accompanying political and military power. In Nazi Europe our faith was tested by our helplessness and vulnerability. Now, our faith is being tested by our power. Arrogance is our temptation. Do we see the remarkable achievements of the State of Israel – technological, military, economic, agricultural and scientific – as blessings from God? We are warned about this in the Torah, which says (Deuteronomy 8:11-18) “Lest you eat and be satisfied and build good houses... and amass much gold and silver... and you become arrogant and forget the Lord your God who took you out of the land of Egypt... and you say in your heart ‘my power and the might of my hand has made for me all these achievements.’

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for He is the one who gives you the power to achieve, in order to establish His covenant that He has sworn to your fathers on this day.”

Humility is to recognize with gratitude and loyalty that everything we have comes from God. At a time like this we need to renew our faith in and commitment to God and His Torah, and to realize with humility that power and success are Divine blessings which cannot be separated from their Source.

It is eerie that this nightmare has returned to the world. It is unprecedented and incomprehensible that one nation should face the threat of genocide twice within living memory. These events – and indeed all of Jewish destiny – cannot be understood in terms of the normal laws of history. It is perhaps the very surreal nature of these events which calls on us to see God’s hand in our history and that, together with the appropriate political and military preparations, we need to realize that our strength and direction come from God and His moral vision for us as given in His Torah.

And so while this is a time of repentance for the nations of the world for their sins of indifference, it is also a time for us, as Jews, to engage in introspection.

Visitor Comments: 32

(26)
shinie,
July 15, 2012 2:01 PM

just imagine the whole world against a tiny nation yet the whole world is so frightened of it why? because this tiny nation with no oil or any other natural resources to boast of has THE ALMIGHTY GOD THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH WITH THEM .You the other nations better watch out your time has come beware IRAN just beware

(25)
Abubakar Abdul-Samad,
July 5, 2012 12:52 AM

Thank you very much for creating this platform for people bringout thier view on world peace.
I think God created everybody equally and the right to live and defend oneself is everybody's concern. If I live peacefully in my country with no threat from anywhere, I don,'t think the world will not live peacefully.
I think America is the cause of all this problems. If I am living with my neigbour and you decide to arm him against me I will not agree. Nobody can convince me that, Iran has no right to nuclear technology not even Ayatollah.

(24)
Sam,
June 25, 2012 1:59 PM

Silence is Golden

Why should you bother to exchange threats with somebody you know you can beat hands down every day in every contest? Did the US announced to the world in advance that it would supply Israel war materiel if way should break out in 1973? What is the world powers that performed the various miracles of the 1967 and 1973 wars? Assuming Iran even succeed in developing the nuke and actually targets three Israeli cities, how many Arab cities are on the target list of Jericho? Enough of this emotional outburst each time Iran sneezes and sniffs. The G-d of the Jews and of other Christians neither sleeps nor slumber (Psa. 121). Shalom.

(23)
Anny Matar,
February 20, 2012 10:24 AM

THE WORLD DOESN'T CARE

The "world" never cared what happens around them as long as their own boat doesn't rock, unless they REALLY feel the pain - the loss; war; deaths -. The whole world sits and watches what happens in Syria, they killing their own and what happened and happens in Egypt? Mubarak WAS a Western supporter and what did the "enlightened" allies do for him!!!!
We, in Israel, thank God (each in his own way) that we live in our free country and share in the miracle of its exsistence. We, here know, that WE STAND ALONE and can't trust anyone to protect us, who can we rely on? All empty promises and meaningless words and thanks God we know it and so we go back to our Bible and say:
IM LO ANY LI MY LI!!!!
I, who am a Holocoust survivor, (the previous one), can say one thing THANK GOD FOR MY HOMELAND I am no wandering Jew any longer I am at home and my grandchildren will defend us and we will defend ourselves with the help of God.
We will survive against all odds as we have done since the world begun for we have always be envied and, like a Phoenix from the ashes we rose for;
AM ISRAEL HAI !!!!

Joseph Apicella,
September 9, 2012 4:01 AM

You are so right

I am an American and I promised my father that I would not fight a foreign war. I will defend America in a Pacifist way. I wish other countries who are wronged all the luck and God's blessing..

(22)
Anonymous,
February 20, 2012 4:11 AM

So, What's The Bottom Line?

There's so many scary things being discussed here! If G-d FORBID Israel is attacked, or the US...I live in America and have relatives in both...there is no IDF in US! So are we alone?? What do we do?? It all comes down to us, not them, right?
Meaning, it's not about their threats, or who is fighting who...it's time to put the blame game away, and look inside, and focus on ourselves!
Not only on passing on the message, but on REALLY, TRULY working on ourselves. Just as during the Aseres Y'mei Teshuva, we acknowledge that every little effort counts, so too now, we must remember, every time we make a brocha, choose to smile and bite our lips agains Lashon Hara, we are conquering the Yetzer Hara- the personal one and the universal one!
May Hashem grant His nation with answers to all of our tfillos, and may He shine His Divine Blessings down on us, and save us from all of our enemies!
May we all be zocheh to the geula shelaima bkarov, and to Olam haba!

(21)
Anonymous,
February 19, 2012 12:00 PM

children studying in israel

you have to be careful with this forum - my child in israel studying for the year- sent me this article with a plea to come home- is that what you think? genocide is coming?

(20)
Julius Romanoff, Ed. D.,
February 19, 2012 10:13 AM

Rabbi Goldstein’s article is a wake-up call not only for Jews, but for the whole world of nations. The United Nations purpose for being was to enable nations to discuss differences so as to maintain peace. How can one member of the UN repeatedly state they will destroy another nation of the UN? Iran has ignored the UN inspections of its pursuit of nuclear weapons, and the world pursues negotiations which have been to no avail. Thus, the UN is following its procedure which has been proven useless. A rational decision is to recall world history which Rabbi Goldstein so clearly described, and recall the vow “Never Forget” We will not stand by and permit people to be killed for political goals. Israel was recognized as the Jewish homeland, since surviving victims of the Holocaust were brought there by world Jews. No nation was willing to accept them in their nation. Most Jews have always accepted Israel as their homeland, since the Lord promised them a homeland in Middle East to fulfill their history. Jerusalem is the Capitol of Israel, and this fact is part of the present day miracles G-d wrought, just as repelling the Arab armies that out-numbered and had modern weapons was accomplished against unbelievable odds.
However, we cannot depend on G-d providing another miracle to prevent the Holocaust. Iran intends to enable the Grand Caliphate to be established. Just as Hitler had a dream of ruling the world, so does believers in Allah believe that is their dream. First destroy the Jews, and then destroy all non-believers, who refuse to convert, or remain as second class citizens, inferior people. The threat is not only to Jews, but all free, democratic nations. Our task is to point out the threat to all free people. We need a Paul Revere to spread the word. Technology advances makes horses too slow, whereas the Internet and printed words should be used to wake up the believers in freedom and equality.
I thought that Israel was put in the Middle East amid Islam believers, who had little exposure to equality and freedom in regard to religion, sex and beliefs, so that they could see democracy in action. How Jewish settlers by hard work, and love of the land made the desert bloom. How they attacked shortages of natural resources by innovative, creative ideas. Israel has no oil, water, arable land, but they found solutions to their problems. However, the Palestinians were unwilling to work to make their life better, since they felt they could take what others had. They created a myth that they are freedom fighters trying to gain freedom from Israel. The true intent for their animosity to Israel and democratic ideals is based on creating the Grand Caliphate so that they can rule the world.

(19)
Anonymous,
February 16, 2012 4:27 PM

With all due respect, that's enough already.

The MYT does not speak for the world. They're entirely irrelevant. It boggles the mind to see them referenced! Have things changed? YES! The US backsf Israel w/ its tax dollars,and a fully loaded war machine amounting to 8.2 million US tax dollars EVERY DAY, making Israel capable of defending herself as Netanyahu told Congress! Not only that,, the US has sent their fully staffed warships and put boots on the ground (as I type) in Israel and several surrounding arab nations!
Stop beating the drums of war while using the holocaust to do so! You imply nothing has changed when thousands of our military men & women are putting their lives on the line for Israel and tax payers have given and given and ARE giving right now to support Israel making her THE most powerful nation in the region w/the obvious, complete backing of the world's SUPERPOWER?
I'm stunned by the comments as well....how oblivious they are to these facts. Your leading question in the article amounts to a slap in the face. What more would you like Rabbi? The US was attacked,on 9/11 w/ 1000's dead, in the words of KSM, due SOLELY to US support of Israel, effectively tipping all odds of any potential conflict in Israel's favor...obviously seen as a completely unfair advantage.
Who cares what they think right? When it puts our nation & Israel in harms way I care. When it drains out pockets of 8.2 million per day I care and so should you. We have founders who claimed foreign aid and entanglements w/ ANY other nation was unconstitutional and morally wrong!
It got us lives and resources lost in the Twin Towers, building 7, the pentagon and a building police state.
With all due respect, stop crying that nothing has changed since haShoah & that the "world" ignores the plight of the Jewish People. It's offensive & should be offensive to every American family, particularly those in the military. Enough is enough!
With that said...."Am Yisrael Chai!"

Bev,
February 21, 2012 7:49 AM

The World Trade Center was attacked not because the U.S. stands with Israel, but because the U.S. wouldn't allow the Iranian territories to trade internationally. The U.S. now does trade with the surrounding areas, look inside labels of cloths where they are made from. A good deed thinking by our Gov. or the U.S. is helping the Iranian Gov. economy, in-turn will give them the funds for nuclear weapons. Freaky.

(18)
Anonymous,
February 15, 2012 9:15 AM

Prayers

I pray that God in all his power and wisdom will hold Israel in his great hand and by the power of his might
destroy any evil that comes against his children. Once was TOO much! My love for a land that I have never had the privilege to set foot upon. Please believe me when I tell you that a great percentage of the American people stand true to Israel. You can't judge all of the people by some that happen to be in a place of authority, or that have their opinion reported by the media. The USA is diverse but that diversity is not always bad, or do the great majority of the American people trust people that come here trying to push radical opinions upon everyone else, especially when it concerns Israel. Pray for great leaders to come on the scene with wisdom, knowledge and courage to stand against evil. We need good leaders everywhere in these perilous times. Good men have fought and died for.peace everywhere. Don't let a handful of wicked weak leaders take away from the sacrifices of many good men. May God bless Israel and the World with peace and truth. My heart is with Israel

(17)
Anonymous,
February 14, 2012 7:28 PM

mashiach mashiach

is this a sign that moshiach is coming?

(16)
hrothgar,
February 13, 2012 11:40 PM

Sooner or later I fear Israel will have to act.

The left wing elite that rule the Western world,and that includes the USA,have convinced themselves that Islam is a peaceful religion that has been hi-jacked by extremists and they have also decided that Moslims are in fact victims of powerful nations.The west has got itself into a predicament,it has allowed millions of moslims into their countries in order to radically change their own societies and to facilitate the good will of Islamic countries in order to enrich themselves and as part of a wider plot to creat an entity ,Eurabia.They can not now admit that they have allowed a dangerouse element into their countries because of the vast numbers that are there and the ludicrous web of so called human rights with which they have entangled themselves.Many of the islamic immigrants to the West are not loyal to their adoptive country;they are of course loyal to islam.the Western leaders have to walk on egg shells to keep the Islamic population in good humour.They are in fact behaving like dhimmi.The left wing academics,media,commentators etc.all believe that if Israel would just go away or allow itself to be subdued into their old position of servitude to Islam then there would be no obstacle to the incorporation of the Islamic world into a nice friendly mutually benificial relationship.Of course they are wrong because Islam wants nothing less than the world,starting with what it believes is theirs through previous conquest.Islam is an implacable ideology;it does not believe in live and let live.Like Hitlerism,which many Islamists supported,it must be dealt with firmly.One cannot live with it.sooner or later ,when it believes the time is right it will strike.The many nominal moslims will not stop this because they know the penalty that a triumphant Islam inflicts on apostates.Israel is an island of sanity in an insane sea of hatred.She can not allow herself to be restrained by weak western leaders,her life depends on it.Unless a change occurs ,Israel will have to act.

Tanya,
February 14, 2012 5:28 PM

I agree with you 100%!!!

(15)
Just,
February 13, 2012 3:38 PM

Prophecy - old and new

With Queen Esther the people of Israel fasted and helped the will of God to manifest, instead of that of the wicked. In the Torah, we learn that many times the people of Israel lacked faith and trust in God and that turned into pain for Jews. Many of the courses of Jewish History in Aish.com mention that Jews should be united in order to survive and succeed. Therefore, and following the logic, Jews should come in unity, pray and fast asking for God's will to manifest..."If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” – II Chronicles 7:14. This is truly POWERFUL. Israel should not expect that the world will help her. Trust God, turn away from wickedness, pray, unite, ask for God's will to manifest and them to be "channels" of it...and will keep you under His wings!

Ben Moskowitz,
February 14, 2012 3:54 AM

It's time that God will Act

GOD WILL ACT

(14)
Chava,
February 13, 2012 2:46 PM

Just Wait

I'm grateful to be on the right side of history.

(13)
michail azarniyouch,
February 13, 2012 12:42 PM

Iran`s genocidal and dangerous regime must be stopped

Persia was once a great Nation and Queen Esther saved her people through her mariage to the King. People today today don`t know there own history, they need to be educated on everything. We need a huge coalition and to work activately to free this tortured land from these cuttroats that have taken over this land of Esther Queen of Persia. Criminals have taken over hold of this land known to many as the former Persia under the beautiful Queen off Esther.

(12)
Rosanna Ball,
February 13, 2012 5:14 AM

I totally agree with this articles comments

It is time for the nations to wake up to their responsibility of standing up for the rights of the nation of Israel to exist, to be respected as a people and to condemn the rhetoric and goals of the leadership of Iran. To do so is to protect not only Israel but also other peoples and nations that would also come under fire from this regime and ideology.

(11)
Jack Nemerov,
February 13, 2012 1:51 AM

Beyond comprehension

Why is it that Jews support governments that show indifference to the threats to Israel, and or governments that have openly put blame for everything or anything squarly upon the shouders of Israel.

(10)
Geoffrey Strickland,
February 13, 2012 12:35 AM

Persia was once a great Nation and Queen Esther saved her people through her mariage to the King. Persia will cut it's own throat because pride goeth before destruction.

(9)
Eremia,
February 12, 2012 11:48 PM

things have not changed.

Things have not changed. What has changed is the status of Jews that they now have their own sovereign nation,but as for the majority of the world opinion has not changed. There are actual more Jewish haters than ever in this world. But GOD is on your side blessed people. Those who bless will be blessed and those who curse you will be cursed.

The world would like Israel to bomb Iran, because then they can blame the tanking of the world economy on the Jews, instead of on their decades of excessive borrowing and spending. Where are the protests, where are the Jews saying to the world take care of Iran, and don't lay the blame on us. The next Holocaust will not come from Iran, but with be in Europe, America, and all over the world when gas hits 15 dollars/gallon, and the Jews are blame. Don't say Reb Hamburger did not warn you. I have a secret hiding place Rabbi Goldstein, do you when your good neighbors come for you?

(6)
Celina,
February 12, 2012 10:21 PM

I can not undertand how Israel is tolerating such murderous threads. They must think that such insane leader does not deserve an answer.. Silence is louder than words

(5)
Eremia Phiri,
February 12, 2012 8:11 PM

History keeps on repeating its self. Let us remember that if punishing Iran is a threat to their positions,politicians will not do anything at all. It takes good guys to stand against evil. And this world has an acute shortage of good people.but this time we are prepare

(4)
Maureen Frankel,
February 12, 2012 5:15 PM

Excellent insightful article

A brilliant pertinent well written article.
Its accurate summation of the current Iranian situation is frightening in the extreme. the Jews are as always alone. may The almighty protect us and deliver us from this "evil'

Carol Reid,
February 13, 2012 3:41 AM

I stand with Israel. Absolutely.

Once was catastrophically enough.
And lest those whose indifference be not concerned nor convinced of where their conscience stands in these potentially perilous times take caution:
First, they came for the Jews, and I was not Jewish..."

(3)
Ben Frank,
February 12, 2012 3:46 PM

everyone seems to be avoiding...

Everyone seems to be avoiding the quintessential question: Would Israel release upon Iran, and by consequence upon the world, a nuclear winter. Would it do this despite being attacked with fissile material? Would it?

(2)
Dr. Pete Kleff,
February 12, 2012 3:28 PM

Orthodox Christian Speaks Out

Dear Friends,
As an Antiochian Orthodox Christian, I stand with Israel and my Jewish brethren. The abomination of Nazism seems to have come full circle, albeit under the pseudonym "radical Islam". Many Christians believe that Iranian leaders are exclusively focused on Jews. That is a dangerous illusion. Their vitriolic hatred is for all non-Muslims, and even other Muslim sects. Indeed we have been warned. Let's not wait til the devil is upon us to act.
Dr. Pete Kleff

Eremia,
February 12, 2012 8:02 PM

True Doctor, the world think the threat is against Jews only,but its also cowardice.

(1)
Abigail,
February 12, 2012 1:11 PM

Surreal indeed

This article is wonderful and captures the very moment of history we are in. Indeed the Iranian threat serves as a test for the nations of the world to repent for past indifference and equally important as a stepping stone for all Jews to strengthen themselves in Torah and love of the Jewish people.
Let's not forget the first time Persia through the agency of Haman tried to annihilate the Jewish people during the Persian/Medes Empire. We read about it every year. And the way the Jews merited to avert the decree from on high was to repent fully and with love. Let's not have to get to this point and merit an "early" redemption.

I just got married and have an important question: Can we eat rice on Passover? My wife grew up eating it, and I did not. Is this just a matter of family tradition?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Torah instructs a Jew not to eat (or even possess) chametz all seven days of Passover (Exodus 13:3). "Chametz" is defined as any of the five grains (wheat, spelt, barley, oats, and rye) that came into contact with water for more than 18 minutes. Chametz is a serious Torah prohibition, and for that reason we take extra protective measures on Passover to prevent any mistakes.

Hence the category of food called "kitniyot" (sometimes referred to generically as "legumes"). This includes rice, corn, soy beans, string beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, mustard, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Even though kitniyot cannot technically become chametz, Ashkenazi Jews do not eat them on Passover. Why?

Products of kitniyot often appear like chametz products. For example, it can be hard to distinguish between rice flour (kitniyot) and wheat flour (chametz). Also, chametz grains may become inadvertently mixed together with kitniyot. Therefore, to prevent confusion, all kitniyot were prohibited.

In Jewish law, there is one important distinction between chametz and kitniyot. During Passover, it is forbidden to even have chametz in one's possession (hence the custom of "selling chametz"). Whereas it is permitted to own kitniyot during Passover and even to use it - not for eating - but for things like baby powder which contains cornstarch. Similarly, someone who is sick is allowed to take medicine containing kitniyot.

What about derivatives of kitniyot - e.g. corn oil, peanut oil, etc? This is a difference of opinion. Many will use kitniyot-based oils on Passover, while others are strict and only use olive or walnut oil.

Finally, there is one product called "quinoa" (pronounced "ken-wah" or "kin-o-ah") that is permitted on Passover even for Ashkenazim. Although it resembles a grain, it is technically a grass, and was never included in the prohibition against kitniyot. It is prepared like rice and has a very high protein content. (It's excellent in "cholent" stew!) In the United States and elsewhere, mainstream kosher supervision agencies certify it "Kosher for Passover" -- look for the label.

Interestingly, the Sefardi Jewish community does not have a prohibition against kitniyot. This creates the strange situation, for example, where one family could be eating rice on Passover - when their neighbors will not. So am I going to guess here that you are Ashkenazi and your wife is Sefardi. Am I right?

Yahrtzeit of Rabbi Moses ben Nachman (1194-1270), known as Nachmanides, and by the acronym of his name, Ramban. Born in Spain, he was a physician by trade, but was best-known for authoring brilliant commentaries on the Bible, Talmud, and philosophy. In 1263, King James of Spain authorized a disputation (religious debate) between Nachmanides and a Jewish convert to Christianity, Pablo Christiani. Nachmanides reluctantly agreed to take part, only after being assured by the king that he would have full freedom of expression. Nachmanides won the debate, which earned the king's respect and a prize of 300 gold coins. But this incensed the Church: Nachmanides was charged with blasphemy and he was forced to flee Spain. So at age 72, Nachmanides moved to Jerusalem. He was struck by the desolation in the Holy City -- there were so few Jews that he could not even find a minyan to pray. Nachmanides immediately set about rebuilding the Jewish community. The Ramban Synagogue stands today in Jerusalem's Old City, a living testimony to his efforts.

It's easy to be intimidated by mean people. See through their mask. Underneath is an insecure and unhappy person. They are alienated from others because they are alienated from themselves.

Have compassion for them. Not pity, not condemning, not fear, but compassion. Feel for their suffering. Identify with their core humanity. You might be able to influence them for the good. You might not. Either way your compassion frees you from their destructiveness. And if you would like to help them change, compassion gives you a chance to succeed.

It is the nature of a person to be influenced by his fellows and comrades (Rambam, Hil. De'os 6:1).

We can never escape the influence of our environment. Our life-style impacts upon us and, as if by osmosis, penetrates our skin and becomes part of us.

Our environment today is thoroughly computerized. Computer intelligence is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an everyday occurrence. Some computers can even carry out complete interviews. The computer asks questions, receives answers, interprets these answers, and uses its newly acquired information to ask new questions.

Still, while computers may be able to think, they cannot feel. The uniqueness of human beings is therefore no longer in their intellect, but in their emotions.

We must be extremely careful not to allow ourselves to become human computers that are devoid of feelings. Our culture is in danger of losing this essential aspect of humanity, remaining only with intellect. Because we communicate so much with unfeeling computers, we are in danger of becoming disconnected from our own feelings and oblivious to the feelings of others.

As we check in at our jobs, and the computer on our desk greets us with, "Good morning, Mr. Smith. Today is Wednesday, and here is the agenda for today," let us remember that this machine may indeed be brilliant, but it cannot laugh or cry. It cannot be happy if we succeed, or sad if we fail.

Today I shall...

try to remain a human being in every way - by keeping in touch with my own feelings and being sensitive to the feelings of others.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...